SOBA SALAD WITH GRILLED EGGPLANT AND TOMATO

Soba Salad with Grilled Eggplant and Tomato image

Provided by Martha Stewart

Time 55m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 medium eggplant, cut lengthwise into 1-inch slices
Coarse salt
2 tablespoons safflower oil, plus more for brushing
1 medium tomato, halved
8 ounces soba noodles
3 scallions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1 to 2 lemons)
2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
1/4 cup coarsely chopped cilantro

Steps:

Preheat grill for direct heat. Sprinkle eggplant slices generously with salt in a bowl. Let stand 30 minutes; rinse and pat dry.
Liberally brush cut sides of eggplant and both sides of tomato with safflower oil. Grill, turning occasionally, until tender, about 4 minutes a side. Transfer to a cutting board; when cool enough to handle, cut into 1-inch pieces.
Meanwhile, cook soba noodles in a pot of boiling water until al dente, according to package directions. Drain, then run under cold water. Shake dry.
Combine eggplant, tomato, soba noodles, scallions, soy sauce, lemon juice, safflower oil, and sesame oil in a bowl. Season with salt. Refrigerate 1 hour. Stir in cilantro just before serving.